Muzzling drama

[Noquiet]

My dog needs to be muzzled for vet visits. I just can’t get one on, she goes crazy. I’ve tried the gentry slowly method, and it was going ok, but the problem comes as I can’t clip the damn thing quickly enough, then she knows it’s being attempted, and it’s a lost cause. Can anyone recommend anything that is very easy to fit and also how best to deal with being aggressive to me when I try to put it on. It’s a nightmare. I’ve tried Baskerville and the sleeve types. Crossbreed collie.

Have you tried squeezy cheese at the end of the Baskerville? Literally a second of them sticking their nose in, then take it away , way before they go "hang on, don't like this!"

I don't know if they're still recommended, but for a similar GSD my family had, we'd do a bandage muzzle. It's infinitely adjustable and because they're flat, much harder for them to rub off.

Thank you @SpamhappyTootsie I’ve tried treats fed through the muzzle, it’s so awkward to fasten. I will try the cheese!

@summeroccupation thanks. I just googled that and I don’t think I would get her to stay still long enough. The contortions are something else. But thanks for suggesting it. I’ve never had this issue with any other dog over the years.

Perhaps start with a headcollar with a snap at the back? So she can get used to the clip part without the actual muzzle over the face?

It can take months to desensitise a dog to wearing a muzzle. At first, you don't even want to think about putting it on her - you need to start with simply letting them sniff it, and rewarding them for being around it. Then, over time, you build up to putting treats in the end and rewarding them for sticking their nose in (just for a second) and then, over time, build up until they will keep their nose in for long enough for you to secure it.

It's really not something most dogs will just accept, you need to work on it everyday for a good while.

You need to start doing it really slowly everyday. Wearing a muzzle needs to be as normal as wearing a collar or harness.
Slowly slowly. High value rewards and only on for short periods. But it needs to be routine not something you do for vets trips and never again

This method will work but as you can see takes time.

Thank you for all the comments and suggestions. I’ve been surprised as this is about my 9th dog and I’ve never had such resistance before. I guess I was just lucky. I will start the daily routine and hopefully achieve what I need before the next vet trip. This dog is very sharp and knows immediately when something is being attempted within a split second.

thanks again to everyone.

Try clipping the strap together out of the way so it doesn’t flap down when she puts her head in? My vets has a set of cut down Baskerville muzzles with increasing rewards as a longer, more complete muzzle is added. The first one is like a head collar . It could work out a bit expensive though!

Pre-med for vet visits is very effective. I usually give my clients with aggressive dogs an additional dose 'in hand' in case they have an unanticipated visit.

I feel your pain. I have a lurcher who also needs a muzzle for the vet. He used to love the vet but during covid she did all her appointments outside the practice which is on a busy noisy road. He's a nervous dog anyway and got so distressed.
As a PP said good reliable training takes months. Try 5 mins every day rather than a super long session. First sniffing it on the ground, then on your hand up to their face, then away from their face etc. There are lots of videos online. I do have a great lightweight muzzle from The Sighthound Club. If you google it you'll see how amazing they are. He doesn't like it but tolerates it and it is comfortable and secure.
The vet also said I ought to give my dog a tranquiliser before visits but I'll change vets before I do that.

Is that something most vets would be happy to give do you know?

Thank you! My dog does have a longish muzzle so I might look further into those you’ve recommended. She isn’t nervous generally, but absolutely hates being inspected as I call it, like if she gets a tick or something. It’s me as well as the vet, though she’s perfectly happy to be groomed). I’m not averse to using tranquilliser to be honest if the vet was willing.

I really don't understand why someone would be so averse to administering a safe medication which makes a vet visit (or crate confinement, or firework night, or thunderstorm) NOT terrifying.
Yes, it's widely done. Ask your vet.

Most vets will give sedatives if the animal is registered at the practise, yes. We've considered it for one of our nervous cats as he gets really distressed in his carrier.

Exactly.

People seem to have some odd ideas about dogs and medication, almost like it's cheating or something

I know it must be very irritating, but I am smiling at wily dog outsmarting you in your efforts!

I am not tranquilising my dog for a short appointment. Sighthounds can react very badly to anesthesia and commonly given medications because of their extremely low body fat. I have had experience of this. If he is in a quiet and calm environment all is ok. If the vet is nervous providing treatment (he is in no way aggressive) then I would understand and look elsewhere.

I’m not against it at all, just hadn’t thought of it so appreciate the suggestion. I will certainly ask, as well as working slowly back to basics with the muzzle.

Thanks I’m going to ask. I’m also planning on more regular ‘no treatment’ visits.

No issue from me, I will check. Always worth knowing in case of a real emergency situation

I know, she just knows!!!

Make it fun! Let her sniff it every day and give her a treat every time she shows interest in it. Then slowly move it closer to her face, getting closer until you can get it on her, done up.

Mine is muzzled for the vet/groomer, he’s all waggy tailed and thrilled to see the vet but I’d never take the chance of having him there unmuzzled. Not worth the risk to the vet or to him. He is also muzzled when I trim his nails as he gets a bit funny about his toes!

Maybe take her to the vets every few weeks just to weigh her, then give her a treat, so she knows sometimes you go to the vet and nothing bad happens.

Thank you @WetBandits it’s actually reassuring that I’m not alone! I’m going to do the weighing in thing and I might also use the muzzle in other training like find or pick up etc (lazy I am I get her to pick up my socks and give to me but all good brain games).

So pleased I asked the question and I appreciate every single person taking the trouble to reply.